"TOKYO COFFEE FESTIVAL 2017," one of Japan's largest coffee events, will be held over two days, September 23rd and 24th, in the courtyard of the United Nations University in Aoyama, Tokyo.

The eighth annual event will bring together approximately 50 roasters, coffee shops, coffee companions, bookstores, and florists from Japan and overseas. "Coffee Companions" will be offering a limited-edition "Bean to Bar Chocolate Banana" (set of two, 500 yen including tax), created in collaboration with "Minimal," a bean-to-bar chocolate specialty store in Tomigaya, for the event. Made using two types of cacao, one from Haiti and the other from Trinidad and Tobago, the bitter and fragrant flavor pairs perfectly with coffee. The third talk session (¥2,000 admission, includes a welcome drink) will be held from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM on September 24th. The guest speaker will be Atsuomi Ito, president of Taiwan's GOODMAN COFFEE ROASTERS. The session will cover topics such as making a living from coffee overseas and the Japanese coffee scene from an overseas perspective. Additionally, the first-ever espresso booth will be installed, allowing visitors to compare a variety of coffees with more delicate flavors. Tasting cups will be available. This coffee tasting will be held in a new, original mug. The ceramic mug features a design by illustrator Ayaki Obata. Furthermore, the Japan finals of THE WORLD AEROPRESS CHAMPIONSHIP, a competition in which baristas from around the world gather to compete in Aeropress brewing techniques, will be held from 1:30 PM on September 23rd. This is a rare opportunity for even those not familiar with coffee to watch the skills of the 12 contestants who won the preliminary rounds in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka from among 72 competitors.